Who We Are
The Natural Start Alliance Research Network is an inclusive community of scholars, educators, and practitioners committed to advancing research in sustainability focused, environmental, and nature-based early childhood education. The collaborative provides a space to share ideas, build partnerships, and strengthen connections across diverse roles and settings. Members engage in dialogue, exchange resources, and collaborate on research projects that deepen understanding of how young children learn and thrive in relationship with the natural world. Together, we aim to support rigorous, relevant, and inclusive research that informs practice, policy, and the growing movement for nature-based early learning
Who Should Join This Network
We welcome anyone who is:
- Leading or collaborating on research projects
- Interested in research-practice or policy partnerships
- Curious about emerging questions in nature-based education
This includes faculty, students, researchers, program directors, teachers, and others who engage in or apply research to practice, policy, or education. Whether you’re seeking collaboration, networking, or a space to share your own inquiry, our goal is to cultivate a supportive and curious community.
Meeting Schedule
The Natural Start Alliance Research Network meets quarterly via Zoom. Meetings will be shaped by the interests and priorities of the network and may include connection-building, discussion of emerging research questions, sharing of projects and resources, and identification of opportunities for collaboration.
Save the Date: Inaugural Research Network Meeting
Wednesday, March 4th at 1 PM ET/ 10 AM PT (Add to Calendar)
In this meeting we will:
- Connect and build relationships
- Share priorities and map current work
- Shape a shared vision and next steps
How to Get Involved
You can join the Google Group or email us at [email protected] to be added to the mailing list and stay updated on ways to connect as well as upcoming meetings and opportunities. We also encourage you to reach out about presenting your research, or helping shape future collaborative projects. We welcome all levels of engagement and look forward to connecting with you!
Leadership
Stacey Alfonso, PhD
Dr. Stacey Alfonso is a nature-based early childhood educator, researcher, and curriculum content specialist whose work explores how young children learn and form connections with the natural world through outdoor play and inquiry. She teaches nature-based and early childhood courses at the University of Cincinnati and the University of Washington, bringing her experience as an outdoor preschool teacher and program founder into higher education. Her research bridges practice and scholarship, focusing on child-nature relationships, social dynamics in learning, and equitable access to nature-based education. Stacey also collaborates nationally to strengthen research-to-practice connections and advance the field of early childhood environmental education.
Emily Holm Tobin, PhD
Dr. Emily Holm Tobin is an educator, researcher, and museum professional whose scholarship examines how young children and their families form relationships with the natural world across learning settings. Her recent research has focused on empathy development in a zoo context. Emily currently teaches early childhood courses at the University of Washington, where she completed her PhD in Learning Sciences & Human Development.